Bands, Artistes and Entertainers Please contact me if you wish to advertise your band, act or website here. To email me Click here or phone 01524 853252 Click Here to jump to Music Teachers Click underlined names to see photograph. Traditional and Folk music The Morecambe Band - The Morecambe Brass Band web site. A very active brass band playing at concerts and contests regularly. http://www.morecambebrassband.co.uk    The John O`Gaunt Morris Men http://www.johnogaunt.org.uk/welcome.html  John Harper - John has gained a reputation as a tasteful interpreter of contemporary and, occasionally, traditional songs. He also writes his own material and those songs have been well-received by audiences and fellow performers alike johnharper@gmx.co.uk    -  http://www.myspace.com/johnharperacoustic    The Duo - from folk to Floyd The Duo hail from Lancaster comprising singers and guitarists Dave Emptage and Tony Cooke. Together they produce an evening of varied music and songs ranging, as the above caption suggests, from traditional folksong through material by the likes of Paul Simon, John Lennon and David Bowie to some out-and-out rockers and a couple of Pink Floyd numbers. Dave and Tony both play acoustic guitars, although these are enhanced from time to time by the use of some electronic wizardry, and specialise in performing songs with strong melodies and good vocal harmonies.  They tend to start the evening with softer ballads and folk songs and gradually raise the tempo throughout the two sets to reach a point where people are either singing along or have left.  Call Tony on 01524 382695 or email  tonycookeguitar@googlemail.com   The Free Reed Band The Free Reed Band has been providing lively, danceable traditional music for ceilidhs in the Lancaster area since 1981. Available for weddings, civil partnerships, birthdays, social events, community groups, school PTAs, fund-raisers, conferences, anniversaries, family celebrations and other special occasions. http://www.freereed.talktalk.net  email tonycookeguitar@googlemail.com Moorgate comprises Simon Booth, playing melodeon and harmonica; Richard Robinson, playing clarinet; and Tony Cooke, on guitar. All three have been playing folk dance music for years (with The Ran Tan Band, Free Reed Band, Shake A Leg, One Foot In The Gutter, Slur et al.) - so this is one belting-good ceilidh band! The music comes from all over Great Britain and other parts of Europe and has strong melodies, subtle harmonies and traditional dance rhythms. Website http://www.moorgateband.co.uk/index.html      email moorgateband@gmail.com  Bill Johnston - I play "midi" Accordian with a large and varied reportoire, so can entertain solo or, team up as a duo/band for Ceilidhs etc including (dance calling). I am kept fairly busy, Playing for Coach parties, Weddings, Ballroom dancing, Corporate functions, Burns/Irish Nights. Solo gigs;  "The Bill Johnston Sound"  Ceilidhs; (especially Scottish themed)  "Clan Johnston"  Old standards-Ceilidh-Country-B,band-Rock'n'Roll "Music and Song"   william-bill-johnston@hotmail.co.uk      -  www.myspace.com/the_BJ_sound    Striding Edge - The neo-ceilidh groove monsters for concerts, ceilidhs and community events. Striding Edge's music, like the fells that inspired it, bursts with colour and contrast. Authentic Lakeland jigs on fiddle and melodeon fuse with frenetic worldbeat grooves. Outbreaks of English village brass mingle with soulful northern ballads and rich vocal harmony. www.striding-edge.org    Brian Preston An exceptional vocalist whose style is instantly recognisable. He plays a variety of ‘Fylde’ acoustic guitars in various tunings. His material is inexhaustible and ranges from traditional to modern. Web Site: www.brianpreston.co.uk Email Address: brian@brianpreston.co.uk HowdenJones – Kate Howden & Paul Jones - "Stunning self-penned songs, cool vocals, top musicianship and a cast iron delivery" Froots – www.howdenjones.co.uk   Hard Times – Acoustic Band – Folk, Traditional and Irish – 01524 417152 or 381383    http://hardtimes.x10hosting.com/index.html   Front Parlour Ceili Band  The Front Parlour Ceili Band comprises the members of Hard Times plus another musician and a dance caller. http://hardtimes.x10hosting.com/index.html   Ben Farmer   A graduate in 'Popular Music' from the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts, Ben is a very accomplished musician, having performed and taught all over the world. He is an experienced teacher, session musician, composer, dance caller and performer. As a solo musician he specializes in accordion music from all around the world - from Parisian Cafe Waltzes to Argentinian Tango, Irish Reels to Cajun two step. Ben is happy to play as a solo musician or with other for concerts, ceilidhs and bals. www.benfarmer.co.uk   Panikatak! – "A catastrophic catalogue of comic calamities" Lakelands own comedy-folk band, bringing their own blend of mature satire and gentle irreverence to folk music. www.panikatak.co.uk Shebeen - Robbie Byrne: Uilleann Pipes, Whistles. Jonathan Byrne: guitars, voice. Graham Parker: nylon-stringed guitar, voice.  . Shebeen play a selection of traditional songs and music, plus some original material fused in a traditional mode with some electrifying reels and jigs. They supported Martin Carthy at the Dent Folk Music Festival and have just completed their second album which is apparently selling very well in America.  http://www.bagpiper-weddings.com   Scolds Bridle - Traditional and contemporary song - Liz Moore Vocals, guitar, bouzouki - Sue Bousfield Vocals, English concertina. These two girls know what entertaining is all about - they've been captivating audiences all over the country for a number of years. Their vitality and original presentation make them such a popular choice for any Festival, Concert or Folk Club listing.  http://www.scoldsbridle.co.uk/    The Old Friends Dance Band - Fiddle, flute, piano, concertina, guitar, bass clarinet - and caller dance band from Ulverston specialising in local Cumbrian tunes - 01229 582704 *Moonstone* This talented trio comprises: Pat, who plays guitar, whistle, fiddle and mandolin; Teresa, who plays harp, cello, violin, viola, keyboard and guitar; and Jeff, who plays percussion, bass, keyboard, guitar and mandolin - and they all sing!  As you might expect from this list the music they perform is also a complete mixture - traditional folk, contemporary song, self-written material and jazz numbers.  Ever-changing, always dynamic and not to be missed.  Contact    Pat on 01524 846790      email  pat.simmons@zen.co.uk LAVA   -  Howard Haigh  & Guy Morris play Latino Guitar Blues. Funky Flamenco with jazz and blues elements, Highly charged, energetic, entertaining  dance music. "A bit of alright: Tuneful and varied" (Folk Roots); "Brilliant" (Radio 4); "Irrepressible" (Time Out) www.lavamusic.co.uk Penny Black combines the talents of Lancashire "lads" - John Bond (Vocals, Guitar and Mutilated Banjo) and Pete Skinner (5 String electric and Acoustic Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Q-Chord etc. and Vocals) supplemented on occasions by one or more of their musical friends or family.  http://www.pennyblackfolk.co.uk/   Jump the Gun  are a two piece English ceilidh band playing an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary folk tunes for dancing with good solid rhythms and clarity. Though both musicians have classical training, they have spent many years playing and dancing in the folk genre. http://jumpthegun.org/ Tumbling Tom  Combining the best in British folk music with modern rock and reggae rhythms, Tumbling Tom is an experienced English Country Dance Band that provides strong infectious music for ceilidh and folk dances. Based in south Cumbria, they are part of the new wave of folk dance bands that plays strong funky music for people of all ages to dance to. The band have a well established pedigree of musical ability and experience, with many years playing in the North West including festivals at Kendal, Redcar, Fylde, Clitheroe, Lancaster. and Furness. We also play for weddings, PTA's, village socials, and any other function that requires a folk dance for people to enjoy themselves. http://www.tumblingtom.co.uk/ Stationary Willberries A trio from the Isle of Man, Stationary Willberries play traditional Manx folk, along with contemporary folk, blues and popular music by folks such as James Taylor, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon- and it all works wonderfully together. Visit them here http://manxman.ch/moodle/ Jazz Quay Change  is bassist Laurence Canty and pianist Fred Binley. First performing together in 2004, with vocalist Amy Worth they are much in demand throughout the Northwest. From the Albert Hall (Bolton!) to clubs, functions and festivals, QUAY CHANGE will bring a lively and exciting air of sophistication to your event.     http://www.myspace.com/quaychange  Telephone Laurence 01524 33077 Sue Parish - Lancaster-based singer Sue Parish performs jazzy interpretations of standards and show tunes.  Working in flexible formats from intimate piano duo to five piece ensemble, she has appeared at festivals, functions, restaurants, pubs and clubs across the north west.  Her growing repertoire includes classic swing and latin numbers made famous by her idols Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Anita O'Day. Call Sue on 01524 843413 or email sue.parish@hereiam.demon.co.uk Visit Sue’s website   www.sueparish.co.uk The Sun Street Stompers - Lancaster’s famous Trad Jazz Band - Visit their website at http://www.btinternet.com/~jazzworld/sunstrt.htm The New Riverside Jazz Band The New Riverside Jazz Band combines an exceptional repertoire of jazz classics with fine musicianship and entertaining presentation. Alan Duckles (cornet), leads Barrie Marshall (clarinet), Alan Mathews (trombone), Dave Bateman (guitar banjo and vocals),  Jack Maudsley (bass), Ralph Wilson (drums). It is no coincidence that the band is one of the busiest in the North West. http://www.btinternet.com/~jazzworld/nrjb.htm Razzamajazz Razzamajazz is the consummate live band / entertainment package for all occassions from corporate events, themed shows, outdoor events, weddings, balls, ladies nights to that ‘special night’. We introduce a new concept in booking and suitability for your occasion. From a little lounge piano, piano / bass and drums easy listening jazz trio, or add our female vocalist.  4 piece lively jazz band or  5 piece  function band We use a core of top class musicians and remember when you call you are speaking to a musician. http://www.razzamajazzlive.com Rock, R&B, covers, etc. Citizens Band -  The Best in Rocking RnB"  http://www.myspace.com/citizensbandthunderjackson   The Hustle – Red hot R&B - www.thehustle.co.uk   Underground Ballroom –A Lancaster-based four-piece band performing their own highly original music - a distillation of 40 years of groove, group improvisation and gargantuan record collections.   http://www.undergroundballroom.co.uk/   JiveHoot –  A group of 7 friends who are passionate about music and (more importantly), having a good time playing a mixture of jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.   www.jivehoot.co.uk       Jamrock - Jamrock play music from 5 different decades with a large selection from probably their favourite era the 1970’s. The diverse numbers performed at gigs include T-rex, David Bowie, Beatles, Status Quo, ZZ Top, Oasis, Stereophonics, Undertones, Clash, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joan Jett, Neil Young, Steve Miller Band, Average White Band, AC/DC, Cliff Richard, Rolling Stones, R.E.M. and many more. www.jamrockband.co.uk The Lancaster Bombers – “We are a popular covers band playing everyone’s favourites from the Beatles to present day. We play all events and venues, Weddings, Birthdays, Parties, Pubs, Clubs, Rooftops etc. Our main aim is for our customers to have a good time and thoroughly enjoy our performance. One thing for sure is that you can rely on us and we won't let you down”. Please visit www.lancasterbombers.co.uk or call Jo on 01524 734165for more information etc.     The Section One of the North Wests longest established blues/ rock bands, now in their 25th year. Mick, Steve, Truvel, Dave and Geoff welcome you to myspace.com/thesectionbluesband  or text Mick on 07887 620 995.   Electric Mud Mission - To bring to the British public the authentic sounds of post war electric blues at its best! "Exciting blues band formed in early 2004, featuring former Hustle musicians Bill Roberts and Steve Hughes, and Fontains/ ex-Swampdogs players Garry Jackson and Dave Wilkinson. Electric Mud was born out of a mutual love for the guitar led, piano backed songs made famous by giants such as Buddy Guy, Freddie King and Magic Sam. Expect to hear familiar classics and some more eclectic choice tunes, all delivered with passion and aplomb" http://www.electric-mud.co.uk/   Tin Pan Alley Playing authentic rock and blues covers by Jimi Hendrix, Free, Led Zeppelin etc.   http://www.tinpan.org    http://musiccoop.co.uk/tinpan.htm   Heroes of She - ‘In case you've ever wondered what Thelma and Louise, reborn in an explosion of wild hammond power groove would sound like...meet HEROES OF SHE'  (Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music) http://www.myspace.com/heroesofshe    Dead Puppeteers - Hard to categorize acoustic trio Dead Puppeteers play a varied mixture of original material, from ballads to acoustic punk. With 2 guitars, keyboards, harmonica and great 3 part harmonies the band produces a sound quite unlike anyone else around at the moment. Visit Andy, Cam and Doc at;- www.myspace.com/thedeadpuppeteers   Dirty Work - Playing a mixture of original material and more unusual covers, 4 piece rock band Dirty Work are a breath of fresh air on the local scene. Andy, Bryan, Nel and Ian have been playing in local bands for more years than they care to, or can, remember and have now combined their wealth of experience to produce an original take on the rock format. Visit the boys at;- www.myspace.com/dirtywork2008  Black Cat  - Blues-funk band. Bass-drum-guitar trio from North-West England. http://blackcatbluesfunk.blogspot.com/ Contact:   blackcat.bluesfunk@gmail.com Rockitt 88 -  Wild and furious red hot rockabilly and surf - serious shakin’ rattlin’ and good old rockin’ and rollin’ www.myspace.com/rockitt88 chrisinmyroom@btinternet.com Hiroshima Twinkie - Hit songs from Lancaster Mountain www.myspace.com/itshiroshimatwinkietime chrisinmyroom@btinternet.com Others - solo artists, singer songwriters etc. Brodbeck & Castle – “Expect to be charmed by beautiful songs, waves of deft guitar and cracking harmonies.”  http://www.myspace.com/brodbeckandcastle   Pete Lashley – Pete is a prolific singer/songwriter and virtuoso guitarist who has, in the last 4 years, released 5 superb original albums and played over 400 gigs. Venues have included Cardiff's Millennium Centre, Liverpool's Cavern Club and London's 12 Bar. His songs have been described recently as "truly excellent" by BBC 6 Music. Cardiff born, and now living in Cumbria, Pete's songs have a timeless quality that reflect the eternal beauty of the northern county's jagged peaks and lakes. His soaring vocals and rhythmical guitar work are really not to be missed! Website, www.petelashley.com Myspace www.myspace.com/petelashleymusic Email, petelashley@yahoo.com Angie Palmer – Excellent vocalist and guitarist. visit her website - Angie now lives in France, but tours the UK from time to time – www.angiepalmer.com   -  http://www.myspace.com/angiepalmer  Acoustic Lounge – The relaxing sound of acoustic guitars and vocals.  A trio covering numbers by artists such as David Gray, James Taylor, Sting, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan etc. and various original songs. Contact John Nelson on 07871 039720  or Peter Henderson 07979 817269 Andy Kenyon - Singer/songwriter -  A member of too many bands to mention on the local scene for the last 20 years, Andy now performs his  own unique, original songs either solo or with a female vocalist (though this may be expanded from time to time). Visit Andy at;- www.myspace.com/theglassassosciation www.reverbnation.com/andykenyon  Jesta - Jesta is the musical alter-ego of Bryan Page from North West England, United Kingdom. There are usually no deep motives at work - simply music that is intended to be enjoyed. Though essentially a one-man project, occasionally some fantastic guest artists are brought into the mix including some of the best session musicians in the U.K http://www.jestamusic.com  Sam Fitton - Magician www.samfitton.com email@samfitton.com 079471 16602 The Freerange Theatre Company - At Freerange Theatre Company we believe that all people, regardless of age, race, gender, financial status or geographical location share the same entitlement to the benefits of the arts.   Freerange Theatre Company has its home in Lancaster (UK) and its roots in small scale rural touring, with an audience largely living in Lancashire and South Cumbria.  http://www.freerangetheatre.co.uk/  Click here to Jump to Music Tutors  Back to Top Please mention the Beside the Seaside website when contacting Bands or Venues